Cardiff City 1-5 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2018-19

A five-star performance from Manchester United
A five-star performance from Manchester United

#3 Goals, goals and more goals

Anthony Martial's goal showed the Manchester United of the 'old'
Anthony Martial's goal showed the Manchester United of the 'old'

As aforementioned, Herrera was seen in vacant channels. Given his position and the fact that the Bluebirds stood deep and compact, the 29-year-old enjoyed more time on the ball. Consequentially, he was found free 25 yards out. He then launched his shot that took a vicious deflection and landed in goal, leaving Etheridge with no chance whatsoever.

Ten minutes later, out of absolutely nowhere, Cardiff won a penalty. Prior to that, Warnock's men were struggling to keep pace with a buzzing United midfield. The only way they looked like disturbing a rather solid back line was through set-pieces.

In a similar situation, Rashford handled the ball while trying to control it. The assistant had a clear view of it, which only meant that Cardiff were back in business. Victor Camarasa stood in front of compatriot de Gea and smashed a thunderous penalty past him.

Just when you thought Manchester United looked lively but not sharp enough, Anthony Martial, Pogba and Rashford interchanged pin-point passes that left everyone's jaw on the floor. Pin-point passing, quick thinking and precision had been the DNA of United's attacks over the decades, and Martial finally showed us a replay of that with a sublime goal.

Quick Links